It’s the time of year when we dress our homes up in their spooky best to celebrate the season, but it also makes people think about whether or not their home could be haunted by an actual ghost… And how can you tell if it is?

Through the research I did for my book, We’re Still Here: The Secret World of Bunker Hill’s Historical Spirits, along with what I’ve learned from my own paranormal investigations at sites like the Warren Tavern here in Charlestown, I have learned a few things about how to tell if that creak in the attic is just a mouse, or if it could be a Spirit snooping around.

Here are 5 ways to tell if your house is haunted:

1. Your home has a dramatic past

Do you know who lived in your home before you, or the history of its past? How old is it? What stories happened there before you moved in? Homes that are haunted are more likely to have had some sort of dramatic history.

In some cases, there may have been a sordid incidence of violence or aggression that happened there. More times than not if you feel a presence in your house, it’s benevolent and returns because of fond memories.

Homes located in historic areas with a history of battles and strife are more likely to be haunted like many of the haunted locations we visit on the Spirits of Charlestown tour.

The location of your home can also determine its inclination for ghosts. If it’s in a valley between steep mountains where energy can tend to get stuck, or at the top of an overlook where there could have been power struggles in past history, both can create the recipe to trap spirit energy inside of a location.

It’s reported that ghosts are attracted to water because it conducts energy. Charlestown is a peninsula surrounded by water on all sides; Boston Harbor and the Mystic and Charles Rivers.

This time of year, when the veil is thin, it’s the ultimate time to get in touch with the spirits of people who have crossed over. So, if you’ve been thinking there may be a ghost in your attic, you might be curious about working with a psychic who can help.

But, can psychics really talk to ghosts?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, so let’s dive in!

Can psychics talk to ghosts?

As a general answer, yes. Psychics can talk to “ghosts.” But not all psychics have the ability, or even the desire, to talk to those who have crossed over. Each psychic has their own unique set of skills, and many of them don’t include talking to ghosts.

So, if you’re looking for a psychic who has a specific interest in and connection with the spirit realm, you want to look for a psychic medium.

A medium is a person who can sense, receive and communicate messages from the realm of people who have crossed over. They can sense spirit around you.

Much of my own work as a psychic medium involves relaying messages to people from their lost loved ones. Giving evidence and messages from spirit is a great way to receive validation from those who have crossed over proving the soul survives bodily death.

Some ghosts can’t communicate

There are two different types of ghosts: some are residual energies, and some are spirits. Residual energy is far and away the most common type of ghost.

When you see a ghost, especially in a haunted spot like some of these around Boston, you might be thinking there’s a spirit there with you! But, if the ghost is often seen in the same area, doing the same thing, over and over again, this is what’s known as residual energy.

These residual energies occur when a powerful event happens in a location, and the energy from that event stays almost locked into the place itself. This is also known as “place memory” and is responsible for many tales of hauntings and apparitions that are associated with certain places- battlefields, forts, hotels, etc.

There is no way to interact or communicate with these sort of residual energies, as they’re almost like a video playing on a loop. A psychic, or anyone else, can’t talk to these sorts of ghosts, as it is only stuck energy replaying out the same event again and again for all eternity!

Psychics Mediums can talk to ghosts and spirits

The other kinds of ghostly energy you may come across are spirits.

These are the conscious, intelligent spirits of people who have crossed over, and psychic mediums can speak and interact directly with these spirits.

On my Spirits of Charlestown tour, I take people to many haunted locations and have personally conducted 4 paranormal investigations at the Warren Tavern, where the tour ends. I can tell you tales of all the times I’ve talked with ghosts- and they talked back!

Whatever sparks your curiosity, October is the perfect season to communicate with spirits, chat with ghosts, and learn from the stories of those who have crossed over. I’m here and happy to serve your ghostly curiosities in any way I can. To make an appointment, CLICK HERE.

Fall in Boston is one of the most beautiful, and spookiest, times of year! It’s absolutely one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in the whole country, with our long history of sordid and interesting tales strewn through the old cobblestone streets.

I’m really starting to get into the Halloween spirit! Can you feel it?

Here are 5 of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Boston!

Best Halloween Spot in Outside of Boston: Salem in October

One of the most infamous Halloween activities is actually just north of Boston in Salem. You can take a day trip there, or stay to explore this historic witch haven. On top of the already interesting Witch Museum, shops, cemeteries and so much to explore, they have special haunted and ghostly happenings all October long. Visit a haunted house, go to a seance, themed carnival, or take a tour of the town and all its historical significance. It’s a quaint and beautiful town with a heaping dose of spookiness to stir up your Halloween spirit.

We end at Warren Tavern, where I personally have conducted four paranormal investigations. These included the use of specialized equipment and devices between 1:30-7am, to measure the energy and presence of spirit, as well as interviews with the manager and staff. I have some interesting evidence and tales to share with you, while you sip your Sam Adams!

Boston’s North End Graveyard Tour for Halloween: Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

This tour takes you by trolley ride and by foot through some of the city’s scariest sites, from the North End tunnels and the Boston Harbor. A “grave digger” guides you with tales of the haunted history, including the notorious Lady in Black. You’ll also visit two of Boston’s most chilling and oldest graveyards, accompanied by tales of the people laid to rest there. It’s a scary, fun way to spend an autumn evening!

Best Boston Neighborhood for Halloween Decorations: Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is home to some of the most historic homes in the city, and they are on display this time of year with lavish Halloween and autumn themed decorations. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an October evening, if you’re looking for something a little less spooky. Just strolling through the neighborhood is an experience in itself- start on Chestnut or Mt Vernon Street. There are also tours offered in this neighborhood which guide you through its famous cobblestone lanes to find the most photo-worthy attractions, and hear about famous and interesting residents along the way. Come in costume!

Best Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Boston: Fall Pumpkin Float

The annual fall pumpkin float is one of the best family friendly ways to spend a chilly October evening. Put on your costumes and head to the Boston Common Frog Pond with a small carved pumpkin on Oct 20th between 5-8pm. Everyone’s creations will be illuminated and set to float in the pond! Warm up with some scarves and hot cocoa as you watch hundreds of jack-o-lanterns lit up and dancing atop the water as the sun goes down, and enjoy other fun free activities including magicians, mazes, music and more!

Book your Spot for the Spirits of Charlestown Tour Today!

Tickets go fast for my tour, which happens every Friday and Saturday night in October! Charlestown is one of the most historic and spookiest towns in the US, and leading this tour is truly one of my favorite things to do! If you’re interested in hearing about the haunted history around City Square Park, The Three Cranes Tavern, John Harvard Mall, the Bunker Hill Monument & Warren Tavern, join us for a night you certainly won’t forget! CLICK HERE for more information about the tour and to get your tickets. We start this Friday- I hope to see you there!

As most psychics do, I love this time of year. The veil thins during October, culminating on the 31st with All Hallows Eve, when the veil is lifted. This is speaking of the energetic veil between our physical realm, and the Spirit realm. During this time of year, it becomes easier for those who have crossed over to create a connection with our world, and easier for those of us here in physical reality to perceive our connection with Spirit.

So, it’s the perfect time to not only think about ghosts in a fun and spooky way, but to remember the stories that came before us, the people who walked right where we are now, to think about all those lives that inevitably led to ours. I wrote a book on hauntings, “We’re Still Here: The Secret World of Bunker Hill’s Historical Spirits” because this topic is near and dear to my heart and curiosity.

For now, if you’re interested in visiting some spooky sites in honor of Halloween and the thinning of the veil, Boston is the perfect place to do it!

Here are 5 of the most haunted places in Boston you have to experience for yourself:

Most haunted place in Boston #1 – The Omni Parker House

This is one of Boston’s most well-known haunted buildings, with an elevator that makes its own stops on the 3rd floor and has been doing so since an actress died there in 1876. It’s been said the original owner, Harvey Parker, still walks the halls making sure his guests are happy. And people swear they’ve seen Charles Dickens in a mirror there.

Most haunted place in Boston #2- USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is one of the first 6 warships commissioned by Congress in 1794. Also, known as the frigate “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution launched in 1797. Over 300 deaths occurred on board the ship and it’s long been rumored for its haunted history. Featured on the show Ghost Hunters proved the stories of apparitions, disembodied footsteps and the noises of the crew still working late into the night, on an empty ship. It is berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard and currently open to the public for viewing

The most haunted place in Boston #3 – Fort Warren

Built in the 1840’s, this fort sits on George’s Island at the entrance to the Boston Harbor. It’s here that Confederate soldiers and disloyal citizens were imprisoned during the Civil War. The most famous ghost here is called “The Lady in Black” and is said to be Mrs. Lanier, who died when she came to free her husband who had been imprisoned at the fort. They ended up getting caught by a guard who flipped the gun out of her hands, it fired and killed her husband on the spot, and she was later hung for her crime. She’s been sighted many times still walking the grounds in her dark robes.

Most haunted place in Boston #4 – Granary Park Burying Grounds

The third oldest burying ground in Boston, Granary Park was founded in 1660. You’ll recognize some names on the gravestones- Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere are all resting here. It’s said you can still see Revere’s spirit making his midnight ride on the horse. It’s a spooky, somber place with narrow, winding pathways and many paranormal encounters reported here.

Most haunted place in Boston #5 – Warren Tavern

This is part of the fun Spirits of Charlestown Tour that I lead! We navigate through interesting haunts and historical locations, but our tour ends at a very special spot- the historic Warren Tavern. We’ll talk about the extensive paranormal investigations I’ve conducted here, the Tavern’s Boston Tea Party connections and the Masonic Lodge led by Paul Revere. There is so much haunted history to uncover, and afterward you can go inside for a cold Sam Adams and soak up the 1780’s atmosphere (maybe share a pint with a ghost or two!)

Join me on the Spirits of Charlestown Tour this October 2018!

The Spirits of Charlestown Tour is 90-minute fun and spirit filled walking tour through gas lighted streets. Charlestown was settled in the early 1600’s and is one of the most historical and spooky towns in the United States. You’ll hear the history of City Square Park and the spirits who are still hanging out at The Three Cranes Tavern. We’ll walk past John Harvard Mall and up to Bunker Hill Monument, and end at the Historic Warren Tavern. Learn more & buy tickets here. Hope to see you there!

Are you feeling confused or stuck? Wondering which decision to make, or which path to take?

That’s the state of mind many people are in when they come to see me for a psychic reading.

Sometimes clients come in with a whole slew of questions rattling around in their minds that they need clarification on, or help to find solutions to.

But, should you ask questions in a psychic reading?

If it’s appropriate for the type of reading you’re getting, then, yes! But psychics have different styles and not every psychic is open to answering questions. There are as many different ways to do a psychic reading, as there are psychics!

How a psychic reads is individual to each psychic and dependent on how their intuitive information comes through.

Be sure to check with your reader before you book your session, to see if you can ask questions in your psychic reading, or not.

Some psychics don’t take questions

Traditionally, psychics do not want information upfront, and no input or questions during the reading in order to keep bias out of the reading and so the flow of information coming in from their source isn’t disrupted. In most mediumship readings there is a strict rule that the sitter can only say either, yes or no, to the information the medium provides.

Some psychics prefer to read for the entire time you are together, whether they’re channeling wisdom from your spirit guides, or giving a psychic reading or a tarot reading. In my opinion this reflects an “old school” idea about readings and is actually a matter of their personal style preference by the psychic.

Some psychics are interested in what prompted you to come for a reading and/or want you to come in prepared with a few burning questions

If you’re reading with a psychic like that, it’s a good idea to prepare some questions beforehand. Technically, this consolidates and organizes that information in your energy field. It’s also helpful so that you don’t lose track of why you’re there and what you want to ask.

Some tarot readers and psychics are better able to connect with you when they have a specific, rather than a general, question. It’s to be noted that asking more open-ended questions allow for a wider perspective to be revealed.

Again, communicating with your psychic reader beforehand on how you can best prepare for your session together is the surest way to get the most beneficial reading from them.

Some psychic readers do a combination of both

Over my 25+ years of doing professional psychic readings, I’ve found that my psychic intuitive sessions are better when I offer both.

I feel I can read a client’s energy better when I know very little at the start. I try to be in a psychic stream of consciousness, and too much interaction at the beginning of a reading will muddy the information I receive.

So, I conduct my psychic readings in a split format. For the first half, I limit input from the client as I channel from my Spirit guides and intuition. Often client’s tell me that many of the questions they came in with are answered or given clarity in the first half of the session before they even have to ask them!

I am a fan of co-creating a session with my clients; to make sure you find relief and solutions where you need it. So in the second half of our psychic reading together, you should ask any questions you have remaining.

Should you ask questions during a psychic reading with me? Yes.

I do suggest you prepare a list of questions before coming to your appointment with me. We will start our session led by my intuitive guidance, and, then, cover any outstanding questions you have. My intention is that you leave with more clarity and peace of mind that you came in with!

If you’re ready to get your session booked with me, CLICK HERE to schedule your appointment. And please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!